Friday, January 27, 2012

Barley

Barley.....

What is magical about Barley?

Barley goes back in time some 12,000 years with it nourishing us in the form of food and drink plus not to mention having the ability to heal humans.  Barley is considered to be one of the seven sacred grains.  There is an old folksong from the British Isles called "John Barleycorn" that sings of the grain's life.  For me, this song is a representation of the Wheel of the Year.  It tells the story of the preparing the ground for planting, sowing of the seed, cultivating the plant, and finally through its time of harvest leading to its death.   For me Barley is a symbol of the Sun King. 

Barley is associated to the Heart Chakra.  Barley is a very dense food and therefore very Grounding.  No wonder it's elemental correspondence is that of Earth.  It can be associated in magic by using it in meals for Fertility, Life, Prosperity and Wealth.

I never really thought about barley before.  All I knew about it was that it was a grain and used in some forms of alcohol.  It wasn't until a beautiful Wise Woman J.R. (using initals because I don't have her permission to post) began talking about this grain a few weeks ago wanting to make "real food".  Not the quick cooking kind you get from a box that has been processed, but the good old fashioned kind that came from Gaia's bounty.  The barley that still had its nutrients still fully intact and not stripped away by some processing machine.  So my quest began....

My first stop was at my local Krogers...it took a bit to find it but I did find a small bag of pearled barley.  It did not say it was quick cooking so I got excited and it was fairly inexpensive as well. I picked up two bags one for her and one for myself.  In a few days I would also be venturing to my local Whole Foods, so I was excited that if Kroger's had it, so would WFs.  I was correct, WFs did have it, and it also had two kinds in its Bulk Bins.  First one I seen was the same kind I found at Krogers, small pearl variety.  The second kind I found was a bit more yellow in color and larger in size.  This one was simply labeled Husked Barley. Both were being sold for $1.59 per pound.  Not knowing which kind JR was looking for, I simply took two bags and scooped up a bit of each. Maybe a cup of each.

Did you know that magically, there is a full moon that bares the name Barley?  Yep, there sure is and its during the month of September.  Not only is the Full Moon during September known as the Harvest Moon and or Corn Moon, but to some it is also known as the Barley Moon.  This was during the same month/time of the harvest during the Sabbat of Mabon.   There are also stories from ancient Greece of the Barley Mother and her daughter (aka Demeter and Persephone).

Also barley can be used for divinations.  Alphitomancy is the divination method to determine if someone is lying.   In Chinese herbology, barley is a Yin which is considered cool.  This supports my belief that barley is a grounding food.  No matter if its served to you as a hot meal or ice cold brew, it calms the eater down and helps ground them and cool them. 

Correspondence:
Gender:  Feminine
Deity:  Venus, Demeter, Persephone, Nunbarshegunu, Ninlil, Ezinu, Ashnan, Sud, Kusu, and Nissaba, Innana, Ishtar, Dagon, Ninurta, Asar/ Osiris, Bacchus, Dionysus, Vishnu
Element: Earth
Magical Intent:  Love, Healing, Grounding, Protection, Wealth
Holidays:  Mabon, Harvest Moon, Barley Moon


When you know you will have a busy day (or week) ahead of you, why not try this recipe to provide you with a nourishing hot meal and keep you grounded to accomplish whatever it is you need to do.

When you know things are going to be gnarly,
Go fix yourself a bowl of barley.
It's such a nourishing food,
It will surely put you in a better mood.
Hail to the Gods of Grain,
Let the hectic times wane,
Keeping my emotions sane.


Recipe:  Barley Mushroom Soup

1/2 cup Barley (pearled is ok)
1 Onion, chopped
1 rib celery chopped
1/2 cup of shredded carrots or chopped carrot
1 8oz package of button mushrooms (whole or sliced, choice is yours. I prefer whole chopped)
1 oz of dried mushrooms (I like to use Oyster, Wood's Ear, and Chantrelles.  If you don't want to use dried then you can omit them by adding more white buttons or a large portobella cap in its place). 
6-8 ounces of Vegetable broth (adjust liquid to your liking for thickness of the soup, less liquid if you want more of a stew)
1 Tablespoon of tomato paste
1 Tablespoon of Olive Oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 teaspoon of Thyme

First, if you are using dried mushrooms, you will need to soak them in hot water for about 30 minutes.  Reserve 1/2 to 1 cup of the water from draining.

In a saute pan, warm oil over medium heat.  Add onion, celery, and carrot until soft (about 5 minutes).  Put mix into the bottom of a slow cooker.  Next layer the barley and mushrooms.  Place the tbs of tomato paste and thyme then add the vegetable broth and mushroom liquid you reserved to cover the contents.  Add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.  Cover and cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours.  If the soup is too thick, you can either add more vegetable broth or water to thin it out.  At the final cooking stage, you can also add more salt and pepper to your individual liking.  If you like a bit of heat, then you can also add hot sauce to it as well.  Barley has a very sublte taste to it, so this dish will be more flavored from the mushrooms than the barley. 

If you eat meat, you can also add beef or venison to this dish.  I would suggest adding 1lb of meat and layering it above the onion, celery, and carrot and then putting the barley on top of the meat.  You will need to increase your liquid by 1/2 to 1cup.  If you want more of a stew consistancy, you can also increase your barley from 1/2 cup to a full cup.  You want to make sure everything is covered with liquid in the slow cooker prior to cooking.   This meal is also great served with some hot crusty bread to soak up the broth.  Or possibly served in a bread bowl as well.

Happy eating!  Find the magic within your everyday meals!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Thursday, January 26, 2012

Thankful Thursday

So for the past few days, I have not been feeling good.  As I spoke to one of my coven sisters, we both noticed a lack in communication of another one of our sisters.  It was decided that today I would call her home to make sure everything is ok with her.  A few phone calls later, nothing...just her answering machine.  So I made the decision to call one more time, otherwise when Lancer got home I was putting the kids in the car and driving out to her place to make sure everything was ok.

So I called.....and finally her father answered.

She is ok, and everything is just fine there.   She is out exercising and the two have been attending some health seminars so they have not been home.

I am thankful that he answered the phone and let me know she is ok.  She's more than ok, she's an inspiration to me!  We have had quite a number of various health problems within our coven and past few weeks are all beginning to get answers to what ails us and we are on the road to recovery medically!  We are going to be some healthy butt kicking dames at the end of this year!

I am thankful that I am alive and know what ails me so that I can overcome it and get healthier and stronger each and every day!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Book Review: Will You Love Me Still? by Valya Boutenko

Will You Love Me Still? by Valya Boutenko
Published by Raw Family
www.rawfamily.com
ISBN: 978-09704819-8-6
$8.95



Without going into great detail, this book is about a little girl and her cat and shows the relationship of unconditional love between the two.


Not only did I like the book, but my two sons loved it as well! I originally wanted this book for my 2 1/2 year old. One of the plus's about this book is its sturdy construction. This book will survive for quite some time and is very durable. As I read this book to my "baby", my older son was at our dining room table doing his homework. As I read allowed to my youngest Shaunnessy, in the corner of my eye, I would see Lancer (my oldest) fidgeting at the table. Lancer was actually trying to position himself closer to us to hear the story himself. After I completed the story, Lancer asked if he could read it himself. Of course I said sure. For a book to grab his attention and want to read it himself, is fantastic since he does not like to read at all.

Even thought the story is about a girl and her cat, the story itself has great meaning to both myself as a parent as well as to my children. Lancer and I have recently discussed things that children may do and get in trouble but no matter what their parents still love them very much. This book reinforced that concept for my family. The illustrations captured both my attention as well as that of my two sons. My boys liked the book so much that later in the evening, I could hear Lancer talking to Shaunessy in his bedroom. I opened the door a crack and seen the two of them on his bed and Lancer was actually reading to his baby brother! That has never happened before!

I would recommend this book to anyone.

Sincerely,
Crystal

Friday, January 20, 2012

B is for Basil


Basil

Correspondence:

Magical Properties:  Bansishing, Cleansing, Courage, Fertility, Hate, Healing dispute, Passion, Purification, Protection, Luck, Love  and Wealth
Element: Fire
Gender: Masculine
Ruled By: Mars
Diety: Krishna, Vishnu, Lakshmi, Erzulie, Brigit, Brigid
Holidays:   Imbolc, St. Basil Feast Day (Jan 1st)
Mystical Realm and Animal: Basilisk, Scorpion

From my research, Basil seems to have originated in India.  Most of my quest to find deity associated to this marvelous herb is that of Hindu origins.  From a culinary point of view, I know basil the best from eating alot of Italian food. 

Basil stimulates both the Heart and the Sacral Chakras. 
Stregthens the immune system and also can be used to kill germs.  Because of this mundane ability, I believe that basil is a vital herb in the magical world which can be used for banishing. 

Basil when consumed gives the person a warming sensation.  For this experience, I believe that basil's elemental correspondence is that of Fire.

From my research, basil is an herb associated to Imbolc.   

It also has many ties to helping a person crossover into the Summerland.  It was placed in the hands of the person dying to aid them in crossing over.  In India, basil leaves are placed in the dying person's mouth so that they are able to reach their God.  Ancient Egyptians and Greeks both used basil with the dying to assit them into entering the realm of death. 

Basil is also considered to be apart of the mint family.  I like to view mint as an herb of prosperity and more importantly money.  While in some parts of Italian and Roman Folklore, Basil was a symbol of both Love (in Italy) and Hate (in Rome). 

For the recipe/spell of this post, my focus is thinking towards the Italian influence and love.  So today I give you.....

Lover's Basil-aid

Items:
1/2 cup of loosely packed basil leaves (20-40 leaves pending size of leaf)
1/2 cup of sweetner of choice this could be sugar, honey, or agave nectar.  You can always sweeten to your preference.  Stevia can also be used, in drop form I like to use about 20-30 drops, but warning, I like things really sweet.
Juice of a whole lemon or a peeled and seeded lemon
6 cups of water

Place items into a blender.  Blend on high setting for 2 minutes.  Strain items thru a nut milk bag or Coffee Filters.  Serve over ice or store in fridge to cool for later use.  (Will last about 2 days in fridge.)

Spell
While spinning in the blender, focus your intent into the machine.

Spin Spin, razzle dazzle
Help me green herb basil
Smooth over our lovers quarrel
Help us continue to love beyond tomorrow

Now if the above is not suiting your taste, you can also consider this.  One of the foods I prepare every Valentine's Day is a pasta dish. My husband just loves spaghetti and always ask me to make it on this special day.  If you don't want to spend alot of money on items to make the drink above, just simply purchasing a few leaves of basil in the produce department won't break your wallet.  I prefer fresh, but if you do not have access to fresh, alot of stores do sell basil paste in a tube.  Just adding a few leaves to your normal spaghetti sauce be it red gravy made from scratch or from a jar can add a freshness and brightness to your dish.  When I think about spaghetti as a lover's dish I always go back to one image from my childhood.



Within my family, spaghetti with a tomato sauce is also considered a comfort food.  Why not use the comfort food to make your living situation more comfortable.  Focus on the Basil's aspect of prosperity and how its associated to money.  Use the intent of the herb's prosperity to bring more comfort into your life.

Find the magic within your meals!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Thursday, January 19, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Last night we had division play offs for both 8-ball and 9-ball.

I am thankful that I was able to assist my team in a first place victory in 9-ball.

I am thankful that we also qualified for the Tri-city Cup in both divisions.

I am thankful that my husband and I have a hobby that we like to do together.

I love 9-ball!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Friday, January 13, 2012

A is for Apple

Week 2 for the Pagan Blog Project




This second week we continue with the letter A. This post will continue about food after many emails and instant messages about how much they enjoyed my previous post "A is for Asparagus". So whenever possible I will write every week about the gifts from Gaia's Bounty if I am able to do so.

This week is about the Apple.

I believe its food from the Goddess, why?  Whenever you cut it on its horizontal, a five pointed star is revealed.  From my research, I have found that different people believe different things.  Here is a general list of those results for correspondence.

Magical Properties:  Knowledge, Fertility, Healing, Love, Lust, and Passion
Element: Earth and Water
Ruled By: the planet Venus
Diety: Venus, Rhiannon, Cailleach, Demeter, Hera, Pomona, Frigga, Freya, Olwen, Apollo, Athena, Aphrodite, Diana, Zeus
Holidays:  Diana's Festival in August, Mabon, Feast of Apples during Samhain
Mystical Realm: Elves and Fairies have apples apart of their diet.

The Apple tree may be referred to as the "Silver Bough", "Silver Branch", and "Tree of Love".

One of my favorite articles was written over ten years ago.  It is still available online and I suggest you go and read it if you wish for further information.

--------------------------------------------------
http://www.whitedragon.org.uk/articles/apple.htm
The Wisdom of the Apple Tree
by Glennie Kindred
Published Lughnasa 1997
-------------------------------------------------- 
This "Recipe/Spell" based off the old saying "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away".  Also when I am not feeling good, I like to drink this often.  Its one of those foods that can help not only nourish you when your sick by keeping you hydrated in the form of a hot mug of Apple Cider during the colder months but can keep you cool during the summer as well if you pour it over ice.
Spiced Apple Cider for Healing
by Crystal LunaRouge

"Goddess bless this apple cider,
So I don’t have to go to my health care provider,
Sweetened with Honey,
I can save my money,
Spiced with my favorites plus a Cinnamon Stick,
Keep me from getting sick."


The Recipe:
(1) Cup Apple Cider
(1) Tbs of Honey, Maple Syrup, or Agave (which ever one you choose)
(1) small piece of Cinnamon Stick (you can also use a longer cinnamon stick as a stirrer if you choose)
(1) Whole Clove
(1) Allspice Berry
Small piece of cheese cloth, or tea infusion spoon or other device.
A few strips of Orange Peel (optional)

Warm cider over low to medium heat with sweetner stove in a small pan.  Place spices into cheesecloth or infusion teaspoon.  Place the spice into the pot and continue to simmer cider on medium heat for 5 mintues until just point of boiling. (During this time, repeat the above chant until you feel the cider is infused with your intent and motivation to stay healthy.)  Remove from heat and pour into your favorite mug.




   

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Oh its been a rough week this week.  I have not been able to post as often as I like.  Still trying to get back into the swing of things writing on a daily basis.  Anyways, today I am thankful for making it into the playoffs for our division pool league. 

Last night we were down two matches.  Next thing I know, the team captain placed me up for the third match.  No pressure, we just need a win.....  Thanks be to the Goddess I WON!  Then the hubby was picked up to play and he won!  Then the fifth match was chosen and another team member won!

We won both 8-ball and 9-ball last night!  Whoo Hoo!  Now onto the Finals for the league and we scored a place in the Tri-City Cup which is also our chance to win and go back to Vegas to the National Tournament.  This is where incidently is where I met my husband at!!!  He was representing Michigan and I was representing Louisiana on different teams and one night, he asked me to dance.  The rest is history!
Me back in 1996 when my team won the opportunity to go to Vegas.
Baton Rouge, Louisiana

So I am thankful to be able to have a fun recreation to enjoy with my husband and that is also how we fell in love with one another!

Friday, January 6, 2012

Pagan Blog Post - A for Asparagus

Now you are wondering WTF does Aparagus have to do with the craft right?

This year, one of the ways I am evolving my spirituality is discovering the way food is a gift from Gaia's bounty.  The Goddess does not only nourish us spiritually, but also physically. 

Last June I had an eye opening experience that led to a real life wake up call.  I was diagnosed with Kidney disease and even more recently Lupus.  So alot of things have been woken up inside of me including my spiritual side, my physical side, and my mental side.  The Goddess has given me a really hard wake up call and I am listening.  One of those things is how and what I eat.

So with participating in the Pagan Blog Project, I will also be sharing things from my book tentatively titled Gaia's Bounty: Celebrating the Goddess with Food which I am currently writing.  With the Pagan Blog Project's two week per letter of the alphabet, one of those weeks will focus on a food item and its magical properties. 

With our first week, here is my first entry:

A is for Asparagus



According to the Alchemy Lab's listing, Asparagus has the elemental properties of Water.  It's phallus like shape is definitely representive of the God.  For this reason alone, it was eaten by many Romans and Egyptians because of its shape was thought of as a powerful aphrodisiac.  It is thought that people who wanted to gain a lover, would eat asparagus.  It is also thought that those who had many lovers ate asparagus on a daily basis.

Asparagus is ruled by the planet Mars. It is also thought of having the qualities to represent prosperity since it is considered to be a delicacy and in history eaten by kings such as Louis XIV and Egyptian Pharoahs. If you examine the stalk of it, it is covered with tiny pyramids.  The pyramid is a symbol for prosperity.  You can even make it more powerful by inscribing a money symbol ($) into the stalk near the pyramids for increased prosperity.  Then eating asparagus on a Tuesday is thought to give you more drive towards earning money and possibly becoming sucessful in monetary investments. 

Now here is one of my favorite recipes (before my becoming Vegetarian).  At one point in time, I think everyone has heard the phrase "Bring home the bacon" refferring to bringing home money or making more money.  Why not use this phrase to your advantage and let your spellcasting be in the form of making a magical meal for prosperity? 

Bacon Wrapped Asparagus

Ingredients
  • 10 spears fresh asparagus, trimmed (Don't forget to inscribe your $ signs near the pyramids on the stalks!)
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 5 bacon strips, halved lengthwise
Directions
  1. Place asparagus on a sheet of waxed paper; coat with nonstick cooking spray. Sprinkle with pepper; turn to coat. Wrap a bacon piece around each spear; secure ends with toothpicks. Grill, uncovered, over medium-low heat for 8-12 minutes or until bacon is crisp, turning occasionally. Discard toothpicks.

(I obtained the above recipe from Allrecipes.com)


UPDATE:
Since I posted this entry this morning, I have received over 10 emails asking for a Vegetarian alternative.  I don't know why I did not post one earlier becaue I surely do have one.  It's a recipe that me and my friend Kathy created one night with items from my fridge.  Here goes:


Breadstick Wrapped Asparagus
(Created at Crystal's house Samhain Slumber Party 2011)
24 Asparagus Spears
1 can of your favorite Crescent Dough in a can (according to various sources Pilsbury is Vegan friendly and what we used)
Earth Balance "Butter" spread (or if you eat butter/margarine you can use that too)
Parmasan Cheese (I like the Whole Foods' 365 Vegetarian brand)

Open the can of dough.  Cut each piece of crescent roll into two pieces.  (Can is for 12 rolls).  Take each piece of asparagus and wrap it with a strip of dough.  Place on cooking sheet and follow directions to bake the rolls. (Think it was like 350* for 12 minutes, but could be wrong, get the temperature off the can's instructions).

When done, take out and brush with butter.  Sprinkle on the Cheese.  Then devour.

NOTE:  There was also talk of the possibility of blanching the asparagus ahead of time and also putting the cheese on inside of the dough.  Can experiment with these options as well.  Let us know how it turns out if you do!

Happy Eating and wishing you much Prosperity for 2012!

Blessed Be,
Crystal

Thursday, January 5, 2012

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thursday, a day that I personally gives my thanks to the Gods for all that is in my life.
Both the good and the bad...as they both have an impact on my life and who I am to this day.

For my first Thankful entry, I want to give thanks to the Gods for my Family.

Especially thankful to my parents, after all, without them, I would not be here.
My step-dad and Moma

My father (1943 - 2008)  


Those that know me, my childhood was not exactly what one would call happy.  I was abused by my biological father at an early age which resulted in their divorce.  Without going into much detail, lets just say I am not a fan of his, nor will I ever possibly be.  I am thankful that for a period in time, he and my mother fell in love.  They decided to get married and have a family. 

From that union, not only was I created but I also have a brother I love and a sister whom I not only love, but adore and is one of my greatest friends. 

Me and my sister in Salem, MA

I am also thankful that my mother was able to fall in love again.  J is a wonderful man and has been a great Dad to me during my young adult life.  He's always been one of my biggest supporters and told me I can do anything I wanted to do. 


There was also another man in my life that has impacted my life, my brother in law. 

He was there for me as a young child.  He was the man I could always count on.  He was the one helping me achieve my dreams such as driving me to and from ballet class.  Introducing me to the great rock n roll music of my life and told me yes you can be a guitarist.  Giving me a home whenever I needed one and was one of my supporters whenever I wanted to join the Army immediately after highschool.  His example, led to high expecations for any man that would want to become my husband.  Those high expectations led to:


Meeting my wonderful husband playing pool of all things at an amateur tournament for the APA. 
To this day we are happily in love and have been married over a decade and now have two handsome boys!
Commander Fox of the Clones

Our own R2D2 with squeaks and squeals of a 2yr old.

Thank you Goddess and God for the wonderful gift of family.  I am truly blessed!

Blessed Be,
Crystal

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Tea Tasting Tuesday

Today is the first day of my new blog themed days.
Today being Tuesday, it is Tea Tasting Tuesday.  What does this exactly mean?

Each week I will be posting a snip of my favorite teas I like to drink on Tuesdays.

So this week's flavor is Ginger.  If I am not making it from scratch with fresh ginger root, lemon, and honey, I reach for:

When I first started becoming sick this past summer, one of my daily battles was that of nausea.  From my pregnancy days I knew that this would be a powerful herbal ally in my battle of the quesies.  Then to top it all off, during my initial battles for whatever reason, insurance was willing to give me what ever pain medicine during that time but fight me on the one medicine that could help me (Zofran) for my nausea.  Ginger tea became a staple in my daily intake during these bouts.  I would go through a box of this tea each and every week for a few months until the insurance decided that they would give me more than 15 pills per month to battle my nausea.

I just have to say thank the Goddess for Ginger, and thank you Traditional Medicinals for having a great product to help me in my time of need. 

So today I brew this cup to you!  I hope you join me for a cup of Ginger tea today no matter how you prepare it (hot or cold), tea or decoction after all it is a root), homemade or commercial.  Sit back and enjoy a few moments to yourself and experience what the Gaia's bounty has to offer you!

Sincerely,
Crystal

Pagan Blog Project 2012

I have decided to participate in the Pagan Blog Project hosted by Rowan Pendragon.
It sounds like something that will motivate my writing and give me a chance to write about my spirituality more.  If this is something you are interested in you can check out the information to participate by clicking the title of this post or you can visit her blog at: http://onewitchsway.com/pbp2012/

Happy writing!

Blessed Be,
Crystal

Monday, January 2, 2012

The Pagan Reading Challenge 2012



Well today I start on my first book I am reading for the year.  I will be reading Ellen Hopman's Scottish Herbs and Fairy Lore.  I actually recieved this book for review, so look for my review of it in a future edition of SageWoman Magazine or Witches and Pagans. 

For more information on Ellen Hopman, you can visit her website at:
http://www.elleneverthopman.com/

For more information on the two magazines I have mentioned, you can find out information on subscriptions by visiting:
http://www.bbimedia.com/

I wish everyone a great, magical, prosperous, healthy, enjoyable 2012!

Blessed Be,
Crystal
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